Test: Gravel can be many things, for some it's a type of racing bike on gravel for others it's the name for adventure and rough trails that you would also ride with a mountain bike. No matter in which direction it goes, whether sporty, casual or extreme with the Castelli Unlimited collection all gravel riders should be addressed and supported equally. We tested the Castelli Unlimited collection for you.
The traditional Italian brand Castelli has stood for stylish high-end cycling clothing for many years and, as the official outfitter of Team Ineos and jersey supplier of the Giro d'Italia, has also been able to establish itself in modern cycling and impress time and again with innovations. It's been 10 years since the last big thing that revolutionized cycling to this day and it's hard to imagine life without it. We are talking about the legendary Castelli Gabba, which has made driving in the rain and bad weather much more pleasant ever since.
https://www.velomotion.de/magazin/2020/03/castelli-gabba/
But the Italians have not neglected the gravel trend either, and with the new Castelli Unlimited collection they are bringing functional and high-quality products for gravel use. Nevertheless, you want to stay true to your roots and see no reason to throw all principles overboard at once when it comes to gravel. Rather, the Italians have recognized for themselves that gravelling is still about the same thing. Cranks, sweat, steer, all just on a mix of gravel and asphalt. Nevertheless, the Unlimited collection with its products is aimed at the needs of gravel riders and, in addition to an adapted cut and somewhat more robust material, also offers additional features such as extra pockets.
Castelli Unlimited Jersey
With the Castelli Unlimited Jersey you can show from the start how you approached Gravel. Of course, a lot of know-how can be found in Castelli's other collections. The Unlimited jersey is strongly based on the high-quality properties of road bike clothing in terms of moisture management, smooth-running zips or jersey pockets including zip pockets. In terms of fit, however, the whole thing is a little looser, since aerodynamics are certainly not one of the main criteria when gravelling. In addition, there is a special material that is more durable but still remains elastic. The background is very clear, because gravelling is sometimes rough and you quickly brush against a branch or undergrowth, which shouldn't directly tear the new jersey. It continues to be robust on the sleeves, shoulders and back, because a stronger material was used here to ensure the best durability. Nevertheless, the Unlimited Jersey doesn't cut us in at all and offers a comfortable fit without slipping.
Castelli Unlimited bib shorts
The Unlimited bib shorts are certainly one of the most important items for a sporty gravel biker, because these shorts not only offer the best comfort and good performance, but are also equipped with very hard-wearing fabric including Castellis Protekt technology. This is a second layer of the robust Lycra material, which provides more tear resistance in the hip area and on the sides in the event of a fall. This not only protects the trousers but, more importantly, the driver as well. Incidentally, the second layer on the sides also provides some storage space, as you get small side pockets through the opening. If you need more storage space, there are two mesh pockets on the lower back, in which important items can be stored without slipping too much. Of course, the whole thing comes with the usual good elasticity and best comfort.
When it comes to comfort in connection with cycling shorts, you also have to pay special attention to the seat pad. For the somewhat harder and more restless terrain when gravelling, the KissAir2 seat pad gives you the Ferrari under the seat pad for this area of use under your butt. Even after several hours of riding over hill and dale, we were still safe and well in the saddle.
For all bikers among gravel fans, the Castelli Unlimited Baggy Shorts are a bit more pants in the range, which fit stylishly and casually into the look. With slightly water-repellent properties, elastic material and two side pockets and a zip pocket on the back, you have everything the modern gravel biker could wish for.
Castelli Unlimited Glove & Sock
Of course, to complete a true gravel outfit, the right gloves should not be missing. Regardless of whether you want to protect yourself for slightly cooler temperatures or rough routes, both are possible with the Unlimited glove. Thanks to the stretch fabric, the gloves are easy to put on and take off and, thanks to their small pack size, they also fit in any jersey pocket. The Castelli Damping System also absorbs harder hits and minimizes the vibrations of the unsteady stretches, which protects the metacarpal nerve. In addition, a slightly more robust material was used on the fingertips to offer more protection.
